Many of us today describe a father figure as a person who nurtures, mentors, guides, and influences a younger person through the early years of their life. Using this definition of "father," when looking at Prince Hal in Shakespeare's "Henry IV, Part One," the case can be made that Prince Hal is mentored, influenced and guided by two father figures; King Henry IV, and Falstaff. In the beginning of the play the reader is introduced to Prince Hal who is the heir to England, but seems to be disinterested in his title and future. Instead he chooses to associate with lower class people such as Flagstaff, who frequently patronize the taverns of London and are looked down upon. These two men play very important roles in influencing the person Prince Hal becomes. With this in mind, this essay will use textual analysis and exploration to demonstrate how Falstaff and King Henry's roles as father figures have influenced and shaped Prince Hal.
In the beginning of the play one is introduced to Prince Hal who's personality has been molded by his father King Henry IV and interactions with his tavern friend Falstaff. As the play progresses one learns that Hal has spent most of his time in the taverns with thieves and lowlifes. This is embarrassing and humiliating to his father Henry who would rather see his son be noble and heroic. The King does notice these traits in Hal's rival, Hotspur who has just won a major victory in battle. Henry even goes so far as to wish that Hotspur were his son saying, "riot and dishonor stain the brow/ Of my young Harry. O that it could be prov'd/ That some night-tripping fairy had exchang'd/ In cradle-clothes our children where they lay" (I.I.85-87). This sets the tone of Henry and Hal's relationship as one of disappointment, frustration and letdown. However, one can look at Henry's expectations as hypocritical because Henry usurped the throne from Richard and did not obtain his throne by being princely, selfless or honorable.